GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – Technology has evolved over the years and is constantly changing and so is the way we communicate with one another but has this evolution of technology hurt our romantic relationships.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a tool used for businesses or tech enthusiasts. It’s become woven into how we communicate with one another, form connections and even how we navigate relationships.
“I can kind of see the big picture and where this is headed with technology and A.I. I think there are some benefits to it, but also some potential pitfalls,” Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist, said.
Artificial intelligence has become a tool others can use to navigate difficult conversations or can be used as a way to connect someone with mental health resources.
Hali Nurnberg, director of the counseling education center, said, “When we look in more of an isolated or rural community, people might often feel isolated, lonely, have a hard time finding, connection with people who share values or similarities, or just in general, might have trouble meeting somebody, A.I. can help connect people or at least fill a space.”
Nurnberg and Alpert said they’ve seen the benefits A.I. can have on patients, but they also recognize AI isn’t the same as talking and interacting with a living person.
“Some of the things that we that we benefit from interacting with people we learn to identify emotions. Learn. We learn how to connect with people,” Alpert said.
When dealing with people you pick up on emotions, something you can’t get through a computer screen.
Nurnberg said, “when I go interact with a real-life person, they’re not designed to cater to everything I want and so that might create some false expectations.”
In the age of technology and A.I. romance scams are also becoming more prevalent. Mary Speer, a Grand Junction Police Department service technician said she’s seen cases over the years where people have been taken advantage of through technology.
“They’re on online dating platforms and social media. Scammers are going to create fake profiles and relationships in order to exploit the victim’s emotionally and financially,” Speer said.
Scammers are able to hide behind a screen and prey on unsuspecting victims, something Speer said will be harder to deal with the more A.I. and technology evolves.
“Scammers are always one step ahead of us, regardless of whether they’re using A.I or not, but I think it definitely is going to make it harder for us to recognize whether it is part of A.I, or if it’s something real, I think what’s going to make it even more difficult is the victims are not going to know, they’re going to believe that that person is real,” Speer said.
While some have witnessed what they say are pros and cons to A.I. it’s ultimately up to us to decide what to do with it.
If you do fall victim to a romance scam reach out to GJPD to be connected with resources to help you potentially recover any lost assets.
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